How long does mumps typically last in adult patients?

Mumps symptoms usually last about two weeks in adult patients, according to Healthline. However, people who have mumps can return to work as early as a week after first being diagnosed by a doctor.

Mumps is a virus that affects a person's parotid, or saliva glands, states Healthline. Symptoms of mumps include swelling around the area of the saliva glands, body aches, a low-grade fever and headache. Since it is a viral disease, it doesn't respond to antibiotics. Instead, anyone who develops mumps should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter pain medicine can help with body aches and headaches, and avoiding acidic foods can help with pain associated with a person's saliva glands.